Meet Our Team

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  Adrian Blok

  Senior Game Programmer

  
  

  Adrian is a kiwi software developer with a strong focus on detail and high quality standards. He'll be implementing mechanics that feel intuitive, responsive, and “just right” for the gameplay and system designs! Previously, he's created and delivered the critically acclaimed Wanderer VR franchise and has an extensive gaming background that includes action-adventure, platformers, multiplayer/co-op (and more!) genres on platforms including PC, PS1-5, Nintendo systems (and more!!).

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  Alex Coultas

  Senior Gameplay Programmer

  
  

  Alex is an intuitive technical lead, passionate about robust code structures, effective tools, and impactful immersive gameplay experiences. He champions engineering practices and processes, to ensure production is as smooth and seamless as possible.

  Previously based in Auckland, he studied Software Engineering at Media Design School, where he worked on a multiplayer arena brawler game with his team from his final year, called Mythos Party. He worked at an architecture visualisation company, The Boundary, using Unreal Engine to create unique experiences such as the Toyota VR Configurator, ETNZ Spark Simulator, Fisher & Paykel Sales tool and a Wellington City Digital Twin. At Mighty Eyes he worked on Wanderer: The Fragments of Fate, a VR time travel adventure puzzle game, where he led a development team mentoring juniors to boost their skills, confidence, and fostering team growth. He also works on his own game engine alongside various personal projects and systems.

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  Alex Donnelly

  Intern

  
  

  A 4th year Honours student at Massey University studying Game Development and Motion Capture. He also is a part time Motion Capture Technician there.

  For the last decade he's have been working on a sprawling fictional universe called "The World of Patriam". In that time he's have created short stories, short films, video game mods, and now heand some friends are bringing The World of Patriam into Unreal Engine for the first time as a third person action RPG. He aspires to open his own indie studio to create more Patriam-related entertainment and bring the internationally-spread team to New Zealand permanently.

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  Alex Telford

  Senior Software & Pipeline Engineer

  
  

  Alex is a senior software and pipeline engineer with over 13 years experience developing plugins, tools, and pipelines for visual effects. With a focus on User Experience and artist-driven workflows his work aims to minimize friction and cognitive load of artists to enable them to do what they do best- passionately creating!

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  Ben Markby

  Lead Game Designer

  
  

  Ben Markby is a New Zealand–based game designer with 12+ years of experience creating games across console, PC, mobile, and VR platforms. Over the past decade, he has helped lead teams to deliver a diverse slate of titles—from viral mobile hits like Jrump to the critically acclaimed Wanderer VR franchise. His work has received international recognition, including VR GOTY finalist honours and Raindance Immersive awards. Ben is super hyped to be joining the Floating Rock team, helping lead design and bring Kyoryu’s vision to life.

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  Benjamin Mulot

  Senior Animator // Creator of Kyoryu

  
  

  Benji is a bold artist that animates with his incredible eye for timing and believable weight. He has animated countless creatures and characters, including “Kong vs Godzilla, “Eternals”, “Avatar: The Way of Water” and “Game of Thrones”.  He’s an inspiration and a true trailblazer when it comes to crafting with heart and passion. 

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  Callum Angelini Smith

  
  

  Callum is an honours student at Massey university where he's worked on large team projects such as an animated short film called "Hardly Working" and a game called "Little Looter". He's been focused on 3d modelling and simulations for about 5+ years now and brings an uplifting energy to his work.

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  Cassidy Chyba

  Storyboard Intern

  
  

  Cassidy current resides in California. They are a junior animator and concept artist with a specialisation in videogames, who is currently working on storyboarding Kyoryu and Paleo Ark Project. 

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  Emiliano Morón

  Animator

  
  

  Emiliano is a Venezuelan/Mexican 3D and 2D animator who loves to use the medium of animation to create stories that connect with people, with an interest in the illusion of life animation provides. He has worked on films like Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, and tv for The Last of Us season 2. He is always keen for a good laugh, especially something punny! 

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  Felipe Gonzalez

  Asset & CFX Artist

  
  

  Felipe is a talented Character Modeler & Groom/CFX Artist with 5+ years of experience. He's worked as groom artist at Blur Studio, PinkmanTV under the direction of Alberto Mielgo, League of Legends 2022 cinematic season. Additional projects include Love, Death, and Robot's award winning episode,"Jibaro", and Game of Thrones!

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  Gabryël Aury Bacchieri

  Jr Asset Artist

  
  

  Gab graduated from ESMA in France. He's a Generalist specialized in high-quality and realistic asset creation and lightingg. From Sculpting, modelling, surfacing, look dev, groom, and lighting, he begins his New Zealand adventure with us!

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  Garrick Rawlingson

  Co-Founder // Chief Business Officer

  
  

  Garrick is a versatile professional with expertise in client outreach and creative project leadership. He has extensive experience in character and creature animation and developed his creative eye having worked for top VFX studios around the world on films like Alita: battle Angel, Peter Rabbit 2, and The Hobbit 3. His natural social skills aligned him well for connecting with people and businesses.

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  Gregoire Dehame

  Rigger

  
  

  Gregoire is a Character and Creature Technical Director with a background in 3D animation and VFX for feature films, commercials, and animated series. His passion and expertise lies in building rigs and pipeline tools that help artists work faster, smarter, and at a higher standard, delivering optimal functionality and streamlined workflows.
  He designs and develops tools in a variety of languages and technologies, including Python, PySide, Qt, MEL, Maya API, and C++ plugins, tailored to the needs of animation and production teams. In his own time, he is building an Automatic Rigging System for Autodesk Maya, designed to deliver optimized and animator-friendly rigs with maximum efficiency. He's always eager to solve problems, improve pipelines, and support creative teams, and aims to bridge the gap between artistic vision and technical implementation. 

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  Laurent Herveic

  Co-Founder // Chief Creative Officer

  
  

  Laurent, has an asset creation background, specializing in facial modelling and FACS. His work on Pogo from 'The Umbrella Academy' earned the prestigous VES award nomination. His additonal work includes memorable characters for movies like 'Alita: Battle Angel' and 'Planet of the Apes'. Laurent's artistic eye leads the way when it comes to creative needs for high quality and structure for outstanding production.

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  Lisa Shcheglova

  Character Artist

  
  

  Lisa has 4+ years of experience character modelling. She's worked a project called “Remnants” and some projects waiting to be released before she can tell you about them! One of her post-apocalyptic female character was featured on 80lvl. From skin detailing, hand-painted materials, hair cards, XGen grooms, clothing, and full integration in Unreal Engine, she creates memorable characters ready for production. 

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  Loïc Girault

  Environment Artist

  
  

  Loic's a CG Generalist graduated from ESMA, worked on the short film Coquille (available on Disney+). Alongside production experience in CG and animation, he also contribute to The Rookies in partnerships and outreach, and to the WAFF Awards as Lead Organiser.

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  Lukas Niklaus

  Co-Founder // Chief Executive Officer

  
  

  Lukas leads Floating Rock with strategic vision and industry representation, audaciously driving the future of entertainment. His past as an Animator with credits on 'Avengers: Endgame' and 'Jungle Book', he brings deep industry expertise and insight. Passionate about innovation, he pushes the boundaries for bold storytelling within the film and games industry. 

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  Matthew Jukes

  Game Technical Artist

  
  

  Matt is an experienced technical artist who bridges the gap between code and art on Kyoryu for Floating Rock. Coming from Weta FX's Special Projects, he worked on game cinematics, interactive installations for Unreal Fest, and the Oscar-winning short film War is Over! Matt is passionate about all things interactive, creating artist tools and workflows, and dinosaurs (of course).

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  Mikkel Frandsen

  Senior Asset Artist

  
  

  Mikkel is Senior Creature Specialist specializing in highly detailed organic sculpting and anatomically rigorous design. With over 14 years of industry experience, my focus is on delivering high-fidelity assets that integrate seamlessly into world-class VFX and game pipelines. He's previously worked at places like Blacksmith VFX, Blur, DNEG, and Framestore on projects like "Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred", "Borderlands", and "Love, Death, and Robots: Bad Travelling".  

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  Nathan Santell

  Executive Producer

  
  

  Nathan, an Emmy-nominated Producer, is focused on drumming up business for Floating Rock on the service side of the company, ensuring projects run smoothly and he's instrumental in the development and sales of Floating Rock’s IP’s. He's worked on feature films 'Mad Max: Fury Road', 'Gravity', 'Avengers' and more. His past experiences and vast knowledge adds value when strengthening story development, managing teams, leading, and communicating.

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  Paddy Doyle

  Coordinator

  
  

  Padraigh, or Paddy, is a massive film and games nerd with a deep history in the film history. He brings calmness to production as an organized and optimistic Coordinator. His experience includes films like Avatar: Ash and Fire and Stranger things season 5. His Father worked in the industry most of his life, and he follows in his footsteps. 

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  Rachel Copp

  VFX Producer

  
  

  Rachel brings her 20+ years of experience on both Production and Vendor sides for feature films, TV series and video games. Her past work includes "Sinners", "Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga", "The Fall Guy". She's a mentor for WIA, and is part of the VES Global Board of Directors. Her cross department awareness, level head, pro-activeness, and chill spirit sets a high level of trust for any production.

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  Rona McCreanor

  Production PA

  
  

  Rona was a product manager at Trade Me with almost 10 years of experience in the tech industry. She sought a new challenge and career path with her passion for films and started at Floating Rock with an internship. She's now happily beginning that path by supporting the production team as a production assistant on a game cinematic!
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  Rudy Mankovits

  Lead Game Producer

  
  

  Rudy leads the production of Kyoryu Game for Floating Rock. With 16 years of industry experience from FIFA, XBOX, Dead Rising 4 and Luigi's Mansion 3, he brings clarity and focus to the creative flow of the team. 

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  Stephanie Parker

  Co-Founder // Chief Experience Officer

  
  

  Stephanie drives Floating Rock's marketing and its unique IP incubator, Pitchfest, which fosters new ideas in film and games. An Animator by heart, she has worked on major films like 'Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse' and 'Angry Birds', bringing creativity and precision into her work. By building innovative and engaging spaces for people to connect and create, she continues to make a positive impact in the industry.

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  Sudesh Sudevan

  Systems Administrator

  
  

  Sudesh ensures Floating Rock's infrastructure runs smoothly and securely. With a strong background in IT support and system management, he's passionate about keeping teams connected and operations efficient.

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  Vinh Nguyen

  Junior Programmer

  
  

  Pipeline Developer turned part-time AI Junior Programmer at Floating Rock, specializing in building scalable tools and intelligent workflows for production. Experienced in DCC integrations, automation, and pipeline optimization. Now applying machine learning to bridge traditional engineering with AI-driven solutions... all while studying for a PHD in AI and CG.